Overview
- The powerful explosion struck on Monday at a firecracker manufacturing and storage unit in Manori (Kaushambi), destroying the building, damaging several nearby houses and killing 11 people including multiple children.
- Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, fire services and nearby Air Force personnel used excavators and bulldozers to clear rubble while dozens of injured were treated at SRN Hospital in Prayagraj, where several remained in critical condition.
- District officials said the unit had continued operations after its explosives licence was cancelled in 2024, and a FIR naming six people was filed under the Explosives Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Police arrested the main accused, owner Naushad, after an early‑morning encounter in which he was shot in the leg and an illegal pistol was recovered; two other people have been taken into custody and some local officers have been suspended for alleged negligence.
- Prime Minister and Uttar Pradesh leaders announced ex‑gratia payments for victims, authorities have ordered asset seizure and tougher charges are being considered, and a technical investigation into the exact cause of the blast is ongoing.